Cricket 3 years ago

Preview: England Vs New Zealand - 1st ODI

As the Cricketing world gets over the vagaries of the previously ended test series between England and New Zealand, the two teams now switch their vestitures to begin what will be hopefully be an evenly contested ODI series, just as the test series was. Per the reports from some imaginary sources, Brendon McCullum is already gnashing his teeth in anticipation of what is to come - and why not - it's the format he has a wistful yearning for, and one where no one can challenge him. On the contrary, it's a series of rebuilding the lost reputations for England and Eoin Morgan. They have been woeful in limited overs cricket since the Champions Trophy, and things haven't gone the Englishmen's way at all. While England have handed their chances a boost by picking a delicious 14-man squad, they'd still have to play out of their skins to overcome this New Zealand team that has match-winners aplenty.

England:

The despicable version of an England ODI team is - you would like to think - gone. Now that The ECB has finally picked a young, aggressive and a modern-style squad, there's every reason to be closely following England in limited overs Cricket from now on. The squad that has been picked, is exciting without a doubt but it's about playing up to the potential that would decide whether or not England go on to win the series. New Zealand are the doyens of One-Day Cricket in the modern era, and for a bunch of young and inexperienced players to be able to beat them, the strength of the character has to be there, or wilting under pressure could be a somewhat familiar sight for Eoin Morgan and co.

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Line-up: It's tough to pick a team out of the selected players because of the numerous options available; however, here's how England could possibly line-up in the 1st ODI at Edgbaston:

Lining-up in the manner as stated above not only balances the squad for England with as many as seven bowling options available, it also makes Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler bat higher up in the order, something we have talked about for a long-long time. Also, the line-up boasts 7 proper batsmen with as many bowling options as well.

New Zealand:

There's only one way this New Zealand team knows to play - aggressive. Their aggression is what makes them win and their aggression is what makes them the unit they are. They don't care if the ball is swinging or not, they don't care if it's a dry surface or a green tinge, they still would go after you while ensuring the Cricketing disciplines are maintained. Coming into the series, the Black Caps have nothing to prove at all, it's all about maintaining their reputation and playing upto the expectations while entertaining everyone.

Line-up: As settled as New Zealand are, don't expect them to deviate too much from their test team. Here's how they could line-up: